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Precision Color Tuning for Titanium Nitride Coatings

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This project highlights the advanced control and chemical expertise involved in Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating. While PVD is known for enhancing the durability and performance of substrates, this case focuses on the delicate process of color manipulation without compromising the coating’s structural integrity.

The Challenge: Custom Hues

The standard PVD process for Titanium Nitride (TiN) typically yields a classic golden color. However, clients often require specific aesthetic finishes, necessitating a shift in the final color—such as pink or bronze—while maintaining the critical wear-resistance and hardness properties of the nitride coating.

A close-up of a firearm grip component with a bronze-colored PVD coating, showing the intricate textured pattern and highlighting the aesthetic and durability benefits of the coating.
A close-up of a bronze PVD-coated golf putter head with a clean, smooth finish, highlighting the durability and aesthetic appeal of the coating.

The Solution: Coating Recipe Fine-Tuning

The key to achieving these custom colors lies in precisely adjusting the coating recipe. This recipe involves controlling and mixing the fusion gases within the reaction chamber. By infusing carbon in a carefully calculated amount into the standard TiN process, the resulting compound shifts from Titanium Nitride to Titanium Carbonitride (Ti(C,N)).

  • Golden Color: Pure TiN
  • Pink/Bronze Shades: Controlled TiN+Carbon → Titanium Carbonitride

This subtle introduction of carbon into the electrochemical reaction allows for the fine-tuning of color patterns on the finished parts, as seen on the close-up of the firearm grip . The ability to precisely adjust gas flow and concentration demonstrates a high level of process control, ensuring the coating’s protective properties remain intact while delivering the desired visual aesthetic.